Manhunt Underway After New Orleans Jail Break
In a startling incident, seven inmates have escaped from the Orleans Justice Center in New Orleans, prompting a massive search operation by multiple law enforcement agencies. The escape happened late Friday night when the prisoners managed to squeeze through a hole behind a toilet before scaling a wall and fleeing into a nearby neighborhood.
Witnesses reported seeing graffiti messages left by the escapees, including a taunting note that read “To Easy LoL,” further highlighting the audacity of their breakout. The jailbreak has raised serious concerns about the security measures in place at the facility, especially given the violent backgrounds of some of the inmates.
Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill voiced her anger over the situation, stating, “Someone clearly dropped the ball and there’s no excuse for this.” Orleans Parish District Attorney Jason Williams, who previously prosecuted one of the escapees, echoed this sentiment, calling the escape “absurd” and questioning how such a breach could occur.
Sheriff Susan Hutson acknowledged that the men were able to escape partly due to “defective locks,” suggesting a possible internal failure within her department. She stated that it’s almost impossible for anyone to break out without assistance from inside the facility. Hutson has repeatedly raised concerns about the jail’s infrastructure and has sought additional funding to address ongoing maintenance issues.
Surveillance footage has captured the escapees forcibly opening a cell door and making their way out of the facility, some wearing prison-issued clothing. After scaling a fence, they evaded barbed wire by using blankets and dashed into the streets. Alarmingly, it wasn’t until a routine headcount the following morning that officials realized some inmates were missing. Due to a lack of supervision at critical times, including a civilian employee being absent from the area, the escape could go undetected for hours.
Law enforcement was quick to respond after the escape was discovered, although the delay in notification to New Orleans police has been scrutinized. In a city known for its vibrant culture but also its crime challenges, the timing and execution of the escape are particularly troubling for residents and officials alike.
Following the incident, one of the escapees, 20-year-old Kendall Myles, was captured in the French Quarter after a brief pursuit by police. Meanwhile, three sheriff’s employees have been suspended as part of the investigation, raising questions about accountability and possible collusion with the fugitives.
Of the seven men who remain at large, many are in their twenties and have been charged with serious offenses, including armed robbery and murder. Notably, Derrick Groves, one of the escapees, was previously convicted of murder related to a 2018 Mardi Gras shooting, highlighting the danger posed by these individuals.
The Orleans Justice Center, which opened in 2015, has faced numerous security issues since its inception. Sheriff Hutson attributed staffing shortages—reportedly at only 60% capacity—to the struggles in maintaining security. The facility has been described as housing “high security” inmates who require stringent precautions that have not been adequately implemented.
With an upcoming election, Sheriff Hutson’s handling of this situation may come under greater scrutiny. Opponents, including former interim New Orleans Police Superintendent Michelle Woodfork, are sure to capitalize on this crisis, demanding clear answers regarding the escape and its implications for public safety.
As authorities continue their search for the remaining escapees, questions linger about the reliability of the systems meant to keep violent offenders behind bars and what steps will be taken to prevent such incidents in the future. New Orleans residents are understandably anxious, hoping for swift justice and renewed commitment to safety in their communities.
